Cat flaps let your cat go in and out at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also can help to stop your cat from urinating in the house.
Fitting upvc door panels cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is a lot easier than glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the right tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be a problem. We will show you how to draw the shape and then use the jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and shields the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.
The first step is take a measurement of the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap you will require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to enter and leave the house without needing to open and close the door every time, but it is also small enough to prevent them from going too far either way.
If your kit has an illustration of where to drill then you can put it on the door, and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Set a square to make sure you're cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is in a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you are able to start removing the remaining door material. If you own a set square then use it to check that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to take off the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. Installing a cat flap on your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the work. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the steps are adhered to.
This is much simpler to do on a wooden door, but it is still possible using uPVC. However you should be cautious not to harm the doors because this will invalidate your guarantee. First, you must measure the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of made of composite or another kind of door, you may need to be more careful.
The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the distance from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you'll need locate a place near the door that will be within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you've got the information, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit level and a pencil so you are certain that the hole will be suitable for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean, not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when using the jigsaw, as dust from the saw could be harmful to your health. Once you have completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily in place.
Make a hole
It can be difficult to install the cat flap onto a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. If you're not experienced in DIY, it is best to employ an expert to do the work for you. A botched job could not only look ugly but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when it is inside.
Mark the hole position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at hand to smooth out any rough edges.
After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear any necessary safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you are concerned about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. It is essential to leave some extra material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems or even damage the door frame.
If the door is made of upvc and is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the wall of the flap.
If you want to install a cat flap in a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames, you'll need to consult an expert. They can provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be cheaper than trying to install a cat flap in an existing pane that was not designed specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet move around as they please, giving them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is particularly true in the event that you don't own a glass panel which can be cut. If you're willing to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, then it's possible to install the cat flap to the doors. It's not a matter of drilling a hole into the door. You'll also need to do a few things to ensure that it is secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is crucial to be careful when cutting the material. This kind door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.
After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap itself. You can choose from a range of designs, from simple push-button models to ones that are microchip-activated and only let your pet in. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without becoming trapped in the weather.
It's a good idea to select circular fittings rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. It's also a safer choice to use since you don't risk having to drill into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or your family. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children in your home that might be injured by glass shattering.